How can I support my child’s mental health and social-emotional wellbeing during the school year?

The start of any school year comes with excitement and anxiety. Add in a global pandemic that entails new social and academic rules, and your child may need extra support through this transition. The first step is to talk to your child and explain how their school is taking steps to keep everyone safe and healthy. You might also consider doing the following to help support your child’s mental health and social-emotional wellbeing:

• Watch for behavior changes or signs of stress and anxiety in your child.
• Talk with your child about school and their interactions with classmates and teachers.
• Ask your child’s school how they’re supporting social enrichment during isolation.
• Check if your child’s school has anything in place to identify and provide mental health and support services to students.
• Identify opportunities for your child to be physically active during virtual or at-home learning.
• Model self-care for your child by:
• Taking breaks
• Getting plenty of sleep
• Exercising
• Eating well
• Staying socially connected

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created some resources to help families manage stress during this time.